IPC 204 vs BNS 204 – Destruction of Evidence Documents
Indian Penal Code (IPC)
Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)
Section: IPC 204
Destruction of document to prevent its production as evidence
About IPC Section
Section 204 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, deals with the offence of destroying, hiding, or tampering with documents or electronic records to prevent them from being used as evidence in court or official proceedings. This provision safeguards the authenticity of documentary and electronic evidence in the justice system.
Key provisions:
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Whoever secretes, destroys, or renders illegible any document or electronic record which he may be compelled to produce as evidence, with the intention of preventing its production, is punishable.
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Punishment: Imprisonment up to 2 years, or fine, or both.
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Example: Shredding financial records during a tax investigation or deleting incriminating emails in a fraud case.
This section ensures that individuals cannot escape liability by tampering with evidence, thereby maintaining transparency and integrity in judicial processes.
Section: BNS 204
Destruction of document to prevent its production as evidence
About BNS Section
Section 204 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, mirrors IPC 204. It penalizes acts of destroying, concealing, or making illegible documents or electronic records with the intent of preventing their use as evidence.
Key provisions:
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Any person who destroys or conceals a document or electronic record, knowing it may be used as evidence, is liable for punishment.
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Punishment remains the same: imprisonment up to 2 years, or fine, or both.
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Example: Intentionally formatting a hard drive containing fraud-related files to obstruct an inquiry.
This provision ensures that both physical documents and digital records remain protected under the law, thereby safeguarding judicial and administrative proceedings from manipulation.